Chapter 3.56
COMPOST PROCUREMENT
Sections:
3.56.010 Intent of chapter – Definitions.
3.56.010 Intent of chapter – Definitions.
A. The intention of this chapter is to establish a compost procurement policy for Sumner to increase the diversion of organic materials going to landfills in order to reduce methane emissions as landfills are a significant source of methane emissions consistent with Chapter 43.19A RCW.
B. The following terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
1. “Compost” means a product created with “composted material” as defined in RCW 70A.205.015(3) as now or hereinafter amended. “Compost” includes, but is not limited to, 100 percent finished compost or blends that include compost as a primary ingredient. Mulch is considered a compost if it contains a minimum of 60 percent composted material. Bark is not a compost.
2. “Cost prohibitive” means a product purchasing cost that exceeds 10 percent of the cost of another product that would serve the same purpose.
3. “Local” or “locally” as to compost providers means that such provider is located within a 25-mile radius of the city limits of Sumner. (Ord. 2846 § 1, 2023)
3.56.020 General policy.
A. Sumner shall plan for compost use in the following categories:
1. Landscaping projects;
2. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments;
3. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetative growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and/or
4. Low-impact development of green infrastructure to filter pollutants or to keep water on site, or both.
B. Compost products shall be purchased for use in city projects in which compost is an appropriate material or on city property, provided it is not cost prohibitive to acquire. Procurement costs will include the product cost and all associated transportation and delivery charges. Sumner is not required to use compost products if:
1. Compost products are not available within a reasonable period of time or distance;
2. Compost products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing standards;
3. Available compost products do not comply with federal or state health, quality, or safety standards; or
4. Compost purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive.
C. Pursuant to RCW 43.19A.130, Sumner will strive to purchase an amount of finished compost products equal to or greater than 50 percent of the amount of organic materials the city delivered to the compost processor. This plan will be reassessed each December 31st of even-numbered years, beginning in 2024 and thereafter as part of the reporting obligations in SMC 3.56.050. (Ord. 2846 § 1, 2023)
3.56.030 Local purchasing.
Pursuant to RCW 43.19A.150(6), Sumner will purchase finished compost products from companies producing compost locally, are certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the US Composting Council, and produce finished compost products derived from municipal solid waste compost programs while meeting quality standards adopted by the Department of Transportation or adopted by rule by the Department of Ecology. If locally produced compost is not available, compost shall be sourced from outside the region, with preference given to products sourced as closely as possible to Sumner. Proof that locally produced compost was not available at the time of purchase or was cost-prohibitive shall be documented. (Ord. 2846 § 1, 2023)
3.56.040 Education.
Sumner shall conduct educational outreach to inform residents about the value of compost and how the jurisdiction uses compost in its operations each year. (Ord. 2846 § 1, 2023)
3.56.050 Reporting.
By December 31, 2024, and each December 31st of even-numbered years thereafter, Sumner shall comply with required reporting to the Department of Ecology pursuant to RCW 43.19A.150(5) as now or hereinafter amended. (Ord. 2846 § 1, 2023)